Upper Facelift by Anthony MacQuillan Plastic Surgeon
An Upper Facelift, also known as a Brow Lift or Forehead Lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the upper portion of the face. This procedure targets the forehead, eyebrows, and the area around the eyes to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and drooping brows that can contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
During an Upper Facelift, Anthony carefully lifts and repositions the underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and smoothens out wrinkles to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. By restoring a more youthful contour to the upper face, an Upper Facelift can enhance the overall harmony and balance of the facial features, resulting in a more rejuvenated and vibrant look for you.
What is an Upper Facelift?
An Upper Facelift is a targeted surgical procedure designed to address the signs of ageing in the upper region of the face. This sophisticated approach focuses specifically on the forehead, eyebrows, and the area around the eyes. Its primary aim is to lift and tighten the skin, as well as adjust underlying muscles and tissues, to create a more refreshed and harmonious facial appearance. Unlike a Full Facelift that addresses the entire face, an Upper Facelift zeroes in on these specific areas to counteract drooping brows, reduce deep forehead wrinkles, and alleviate frown lines that often become more pronounced with age.
A forehead that is smooth and eyebrows that are correctly positioned can significantly impact one’s look, often making the face appear more open, approachable, and lively. By focusing on these upper facial features, the procedure can subtly yet effectively rejuvenate one’s appearance without altering your fundamental expression or identity.
The process involves a combination of techniques tailored to the individual’s specific needs and the desired outcome. Anthony may employ endoscopic methods, which involve minimal incisions and the use of a camera to guide the procedure, ensuring precision and reducing recovery time. Alternatively, traditional methods may be used, where incisions are hidden within the hairline or the natural contours of the face to minimise visible scarring.
1 to 2 hours
General
1 night
4 to 6 weeks
It can take 3 months for visible improvements to appear and you can enjoy a more youthful, rested appearance.
Who Needs an Upper Facelift?
This procedure is particularly suited for individuals who notice specific changes in the upper portion of your face that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. Candidates for an Upper Facelift typically exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
- Drooping Eyebrows: Eyebrows that have lowered over time can overshadow the eyes, contributing to a look of fatigue or displeasure. An Upper Facelift can elevate the eyebrows to a more natural and alert position.
- Forehead Wrinkles: Deep horizontal lines across the forehead, which are often accentuated with age or repeated facial expressions, can be smoothed out, giving the forehead a more serene appearance.
- Frown Lines: The creases that develop between the eyebrows can make one appear more serious or worried than they feel. Addressing these lines can soften one’s expression.
- Slight Eyelid Sagging: While primarily a concern for Eyelid surgery, slight sagging of the upper eyelids can also be corrected or improved in conjunction with an Upper Facelift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
The ideal candidates are those in good general health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, and understand the recovery process. They should also be non-smokers or willing to quit, as smoking can complicate both the procedure and the healing process. It’s important for individuals to have a clear motivation for seeking the surgery, focusing on personal satisfaction rather than external pressures.
Benefits of the Upper Facelift Procedure
The benefits of this procedure are diverse, touching on aesthetic improvements, psychological impacts, and sometimes even functional enhancements:
Aesthetic Improvements
- Refreshed Appearance: The primary benefit of an Upper Facelift is the more refreshed look it offers. By addressing sagging eyebrows, smoothing forehead wrinkles and reducing frown lines, the procedure can significantly rejuvenate the upper face. This can result in a face that looks more rested, reflecting a more energised disposition.
- Harmonious Facial Balance: An Upper Facelift can enhance the overall harmony of facial features by aligning the upper face’s appearance with the lower face. This balance is key to a natural-looking rejuvenation, ensuring that the enhancements complement rather than overpower one’s natural features.
- Long-lasting Results: While non-surgical treatments can offer temporary improvements, an Upper Facelift provides results that are more enduring. The changes achieved through surgery can last many years, depending on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and adherence to post-operative care.
Psychological Impact
- Renewed Outlook: Many individuals report feeling more positive about their appearance after an Upper Facelift. This renewed satisfaction with how they look can translate into a more optimistic outlook on life and an increased willingness to engage in social and professional activities.
- Enhanced Self-Perception: Seeing oneself in a new light, with the external appearance more closely matching one’s internal sense of vitality, can significantly impact self-perception. This alignment can lead to a more confident and assertive presence in both personal and professional settings.
Functional Benefits
- Improved Visual Field: For some, sagging skin around the upper eyelids and brows can impede their visual field. While not the primary goal of an Upper Facelift, the procedure can inadvertently improve one’s field of vision by lifting excess skin out of the eye’s natural line of sight.
- Ease of Facial Expressions: Tightening and realigning the skin and muscles in the upper face can also make it easier to convey facial expressions. The reduction of deep furrows and frown lines can enable expressions that reflect true emotions more accurately, without the hindrance of pronounced ageing signs.
How is the Upper Facelift Procedure Performed
An Upper Facelift typically involves surgical techniques to lift and tighten the forehead skin, elevate the eyebrows, and reduce the appearance of deep furrows and frown lines. The specific approach taken can vary depending on your anatomy, the extent of the ageing process, and the desired outcome.
- Endoscopic Brow Lift: This minimally invasive technique uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera and light) inserted through small incisions made within the hairline. Anthony views the tissues and muscles on a monitor and uses special instruments to lift the forehead skin, reposition the eyebrows, and remove or alter muscle and tissue to smooth wrinkles. This approach results in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time.
- Coronal Brow Lift: A more traditional method, the Coronal Brow Lift involves an incision from ear to ear across the top of the head, hidden within the hair. The forehead skin is lifted, excess skin is removed, and the eyebrows are repositioned. This technique is often used for patients with significant sagging and deep forehead wrinkles but can raise the hairline, making it less suitable for individuals with a high forehead.
- Hairline Brow Lift: Tailored for individuals with a high forehead, the incision is made at the hairline, allowing Anthony to lift the forehead without altering the hairline’s position. Excess skin is removed, and the brows are lifted, reducing forehead height while smoothing out wrinkles.
Regardless of the technique, the muscles that cause frown lines can be modified or removed to create a smoother forehead. The incisions are then closed with sutures or clips, and the area is bandaged.
Recovery after Upper Facelift Procedure
Recovery varies among individuals but generally follows a predictable timeline, with specific milestones along the way.
- Immediate Post-Operative Period: In the first few days following surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated areas. These are temporary and typically peak within the first 48 hours before gradually subsiding. You are advised to keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to help reduce swelling.
- Pain Management: Any discomfort experienced in the early stages of recovery can usually be managed effectively with prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by Anthony. It’s important for you to follow Anthony’s advice regarding medication to ensure comfort and minimise the risk of complications.
- Follow-Up Visits: Scheduled follow-up visits allow Anthony to monitor the healing process and ensure that the recovery is progressing as expected. During these appointments, sutures or clips may be removed, and any concerns or questions can be addressed. These visits are an essential component of post-operative care, providing reassurance and guidance you throughout your recovery.
- Activity Restrictions: To ensure optimal healing, you are advised to avoid vigorous physical activity, heavy lifting, and any other activities that might strain the facial muscles or incisions for several weeks after the procedure. Specific guidelines regarding when to resume normal activities, including work, will be provided by Anthony, based on the individual’s progress and the nature of your job.
- Long-Term Care and Results: As the weeks pass, the results of the Upper Facelift will become more apparent. Swelling and bruising will diminish, revealing a more refreshed and harmonious facial appearance. While the initial recovery phase may last several weeks, it can take a few months for all swelling to resolve and the final results to fully emerge.
You are encouraged to protect your skin from the sun, follow a healthy skincare routine, and maintain a stable weight to prolong the results of your surgery. Regular check-ups with Anthony can also help in managing the long-term appearance and addressing any concerns that may arise over time.
How Much Is Facelift Surgery in the UK?
The total cost of Facelift surgery in the UK depends on the type of procedure being performed. A Facelift can range from £1,500 to £50,000, depending on the type of Facelift preformed (Full Facelift, Upper Facelift, Mid Facelift or Lower Facelift)
These prices are influenced by the surgeon’s training & experience, the complexity of the operation, type of anaesthesia and the facility used. It’s also important to ensure that quoted costs include the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, the hospital or clinic fee, and any follow-up care required.
FAQs
Find out more about your surgical journey
What is an Upper Facelift, and how does it differ from a Full facelift?
An Upper Facelift specifically targets the upper third of the face, focusing on lifting the brow line, reducing forehead wrinkles, and potentially addressing upper eyelid sagging. It differs from a Full Facelift, which addresses ageing signs across the entire face, including the midface, lower face, and neck. The Upper Facelift is ideal for individuals primarily concerned with ageing signs in the forehead and brow area, offering a more targeted approach compared to the comprehensive rejuvenation a Full Facelift provides.
Who is an ideal candidate for an Upper Facelift?
The ideal candidate for an Upper Facelift is someone experiencing moderate to significant sagging of the eyebrows, deep forehead wrinkles, and possibly upper eyelid drooping that contributes to a tired or aged appearance. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, or willing to quit smoking, as smoking can affect the healing process. They should also have realistic expectations about the surgery’s outcomes and be seeking improvement in the upper portion of your face.
How long do the results of an Upper Facelift last?
The results of an Upper Facelift can be long-lasting, with you enjoying the benefits for several years. It’s important to note that surgery does not halt the ageing process, and some degree of brow descent and wrinkle formation will occur over time. The longevity of the results can be influenced by factors such as skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle choices, including sun protection and smoking. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following skincare recommendations can help extend the results.
What are the risks of Upper Facelift Surgery?
While an Upper Facelift can offer significant enhancements to one’s appearance, like any surgical procedure, it comes with inherent risks and potential complications.
- Infection: The risk of infection is present with any surgery. Signs include increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge at the incision sites. Infections are typically treatable with antibiotics, but prompt recognition and treatment are crucial.
- Bleeding and Haematoma: While rare, bleeding under the skin, known as haematoma, can occur, leading to swelling and pain. Small haematomas usually resolve on their own, but larger ones might require surgical drainage.
- Scarring: Any surgery that involves incisions will result in some form of scarring. The skill of Anthony in placing and closing incisions can significantly affect the visibility of scars. Most scars fade over time and can be concealed within the hairline or natural facial contours.
- Nerve Damage: Temporary or permanent nerve damage affecting facial muscles can occur, leading to weakness or asymmetry in facial expressions. Most cases of nerve damage are temporary, with full recovery expected within several months.
- Prolonged Swelling and Bruising: Some individuals may experience swelling and bruising that lasts longer than the typical recovery period.
Medical References about Upper Facelift
- Facelift: What to expect and possible complications – Medical News Today
- Thread facelifts: Definition, benefits, aftercare, and more – Medical News Today
- Comparing upper facelift, mid facelift and lower facelift – ASPS
- Deep Plane Facelift – StatPearls – NCBI
- How Long Does a Facelift Last and Other FAQs – Cleveland Clinic
Reviews
Patient satisfaction is the top priority for Anthony. You can find how patients feel about his work below.
Eyelid Surgery
Had my surgery done at St Josephs, Mr Macquillan explained everything to me at my first consultation, he discussed exactly what I was expecting to achieve and talked me through it at a relaxed pace, I didn’t feel like I had to make my decision there and then as there was no pressure what so ever. I understood everything and decided to go ahead. I recovered really quickly and was delighted with the results.
Upper Blepharoplasty 59 Year Old Female – United Kingdom
From the initial consultation through to the after care Mr MacQuillan remained consistently professional, approachable and extremely confident that he could make a huge difference to my eyelids and he has certainly achieved that beyond my expectations! I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Mr Macquillan to anyone thinking of having this procedure done.
Blepharoplasty – Bristol, GB
After researching cosmetic surgery providers in my area, I made an appointment with Anthony MacQuillan at the Spire Hospital in Bristol.
Anthony thoroughly discussed the options available to me to enable me to carefully consider my choices and be in a position to make an informed decision with no pressure.
A very professional service from start to finish with continued aftercare, undertaken by a caring, approachable and experienced surgeon.
I am delighted with the results and would have no hesitation in recommending Anthony MacQuillan to anyone considering a cosmetic procedure.
New Eyelids I’ve Always Dreamed of ! Bristol, GB
I was very embarrassed about my wrinkled and baggy upper eyelids to the extent I didn’t like being close up to people as I thought they would notice straight away.
I am so pleased that I chose Mr MacQuillan from the list of surgeons I was given.
He is one of the kindest, most professional people I have ever met. I was very nervous and immediately put at ease. The procedures were explained to me in great detail, together with any possible complications that could occur. Mr MacQuillan was so patient and understanding with all my indecisions and just let me make up my own mind in my own time and reassured me that that was indeed the correct decision for me. I had three appointments before my op, all of which were followed up immediately by letters from Mr MacQuillan detailing in full everything we had discussed so I had written confirmation of all my queries which was so useful as I’d forgotten most of it by the time I got home!
I was so well looked after during my overnight stay in hospital and constantly put at ease by all the staff who also rated Mr MacQuillan very highly indeed. He visited me just before the op to reassure me again and twice afterwards to make sure I was OK and even showed me a photo he took for me on his phone.
I am thrilled with the results and cannot thank Mr MacQuiilan enough for all he has done for me. Margaret and Heather have also been so kind and patient with me.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mr MacQuillan to anyone considering surgery.
I am also impressed with the follow up care to ensure I am fully satisfied with the results and will be looked after for 5 years!
Why Choose Anthony MacQuillan for Your Facial Procedure
Anthony’s dedication to artistry, precision, and individualised care ensures that your facial procedure will be tailored to meet your unique needs and aesthetic goals. Our clinic combines the latest surgical techniques with a compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring a supportive and reassuring experience from consultation through recovery.
Whether you’re seeking subtle enhancements or a more significant transformation, we are here to guide you towards achieving a refreshed, natural-looking beauty that aligns with your personal vision.
To learn more about how our facial procedures can help you achieve the look you desire, or to schedule a consultation with Anthony, please contact us today.
Further Reading about Face Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anthony MacQuillan
Learn more about other face procedures Anthony preforms, including;
